Sorption capabilities of the itaconic-based hydrogels were detd. by their sep. immersion in aq. solns. contg. Cu ions with concns. In the range of 0.005-0.1 mol/L at 25, 40 and 65 degrees C, resp. Test showed that the sorption process was described by the Langmuir isotherm model. The sorption capacities increased by 12% after increasing temp. from 25 to 65 degrees C.